Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which can prevents free radicals from creating damage to your skin. In addition, vitamin C has been proven to repair skin and stimulate the synthesis of collagen, which decreases with age and sun exposure. Studies have shown that vitamin C helps to minimize fine lines, scars, and wrinkles. I’ve been using different vitamin C products on and off throughout the years, and I had been looking for a good new one.

A few problems with vitamin C serums is that many are unstable–that is, the serum becomes less effective as it sits in your cabinet. Short shelf-life, in other words. Some products tout vitamin C as an ingredient, but contain only a small amount that doesn’t absorb well.

Perricone MD’s formulation has a high 15% concentration of Vitamin C. Also, this is a Vitamin C ester, which means that this is a variation of a standard vitamin C molecule to make it absorb into the skin surface more easily. Essentially, he’s combined it the vitamin C molecule with a palm oil molecule. The 2-month supply is split between four tubes, each holding a lightweight cream designed to last 2 weeks. This helps stability. Also, the product is said to minimize fillers. Using one application at night, Perricone MD promises that Vitamin C Ester 15 will:

Deliver brighter, luminous, naturally glowing skin

Restore sun-damaged skin to a healthy, more youthful complexion

Tighten, firms and contours the appearance of skin

Smoothe skin texture to a porcelain-like finish

I’ve been using Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester 15 for about three weeks (I haven’t finished one tube yet). I’m combining this with Chanel Le Blanc Brightening Concentrate (review to follow) at night and Institut Estederm No Sun (review here) during the day to block the sun. Daily, I wear Nars Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 +++ (review here), which promises to condition and brighten skin. As a beauty blogger, I also do exfoliations, masks, and oils throughout the week during evening or early morning (like the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate that I’ve just reviewed here). I’ve slowed down on retinols during this test period. Plus, keep in mind that I was using good skin care before I ever tried Perricone Vitamin C Ester 15.

There’s is a light orange scent to the product, which fades quickly. It absorbs in probably about a minute or two. After the first week, my skin was visibly smoother and looked lifted. It definitely turned back the clock. Over the past few weeks, the effect has continued. Small pores, smooth skin, glowing complexion. With my Chanel Le Blanc Brightening Concentrate, sun block, and rainy Parisian weather, my skin is much brighter. There were some darker area which have faded probably down to 10-30% of what they were and some areas have become clear. These are easily covered with my Nars Tinted Moisturizer. Overall, I’m really pleased with Perricone MD’s Vitamin C formulation.

Directions for use:

The product warns that you may feel some tightening. I did the first few times, then never again. The Perricone MD is formulated to be non-irritaing (some vitamin C formulas can cause patches of my face to go red). I haven’t gotten any dryness or irritation with this creme.

I bought this from the Perricone MD site, which has frequent promotions. For example, I signed up for automatic delivery and got a 10% discount plus a free Perricone MD Ester Eye Serum. Although that promotion has ended, if you register for the site, you’ll get the latest promotion by email.